China Arts and Entertainment Group is presenting the New York debut of the dance drama MULAN, produced and performed by China Ningbo Performance & Arts Group. The production runs for four performances from September 18 through September 20, 2026, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Ticket prices start at $30 for the engagement, which features evening shows on Friday and Saturday alongside weekend matinees.
The production won the China Dance Lotus Award, the highest honor in Chinese dance. Based on the traditional legend, the storyline follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to join the army in place of her father. The piece explores themes of familial duty, identity, inner growth, and the pursuit of peace.
Chief directors and choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen integrated classical Chinese dance, martial arts, and theatrical elements into the choreography. The musical score, composed by Du Ming, blends traditional Chinese folk instruments with symphonic orchestration. Playwright Zhu Hai wrote the narrative structure, with executive direction provided by Li Chao and Lv Zimin.
A key scenic feature of the production is a 15-meter revolving stage designed by Tan Ze’en. The set operates alongside lighting by Han Jiang and costume designs by Wang Yukuan to depict both battlefield scenes and intimate moments. The lead cast includes Tang Xinyi in the title role, alongside Xia Tian, Wang Zheng, Wu Wei, Liu Siyu, Jiang An, and Du Boyan.
Zhou Liya and Han Zhen are resident choreographers with the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe and recipients of the Wenhua Director Award. Their previous collaborative dance dramas include The Journey of a Legendary Landscape, Wing Chun, The Eternal Waves, Dragon Boat Racing, and Du Fu. Their works have been staged at international locations including the Sydney Opera House, the United Nations Headquarters, and the Kennedy Center.
The presentation is part of CAEG’s Image China initiative, an effort to bring performing arts productions to global audiences. Established in 2004, CAEG manages international performing arts tours, art exhibitions, and theater operations. The organization previously brought Chinese dance works to Lincoln Center, including Silk Road, The Peony Pavilion, The Red Dress, Confucius, and Dongpo: Life in Poems.
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